Ignition system



Oct. 28, 1941. A. J. D! LUCCI IGNITION SYSTEM Filed May 26, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /N ms/vrql? A/vrHo/vyd 0/ Lucc/ HA RP/J, K/LChf, F0 8:1'4/2/9/9/6 0/? C FIRM A 7' 7'0 ADA/5 KS.

IGNITION SYSTEM Anthony J. Di Lucci, Los Angeles, Calif assignor of one-half to Sydney J. Levy, Los Angeles,

Calif.

Application May 26, 1941, Serial No. 395,212

18 Claims.

My invention relates to internal combustion engines, and the object of the invention is to pro-' vide a novel ignition system for use in such engines.

' A further object of the invention is to provide an ignition system for an internal combustion engine which uses high frequency discharges for the purpose of igniting the charge. have been made to use high frequency in'ignition systems, but many diiiiculties have been enl countered in these attempts, and it is a further object of my invention to provide an ignition system using high frequency which will overcome the diniculties previously encountered.

Further objects and advantages will be made evident hereinafter.

Many attempts Referring to the drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

Fig. i is a vertical section through a portion of an internal combustion engine in which my ignition system has been installed, the piston being shown at its lowest position;

Fig. 2 is a section through the same engine on a plane at right angles to the plane of Fig. l, the piston being shown in its upper position;

Fig.3 is a section on a plane represented by the line 3 3 of Fig. l

Fig. is a section on a plane represented by the line ll- 5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing the details of construction of one of the electrodes of the ignition system of the engine; and

Fig. 6 is a connection diagram of the system.

The invention is applied'to any internal combustion engine of conventional construction in which ii is a cylinder block having a cylindrical bore l2 in which a piston l3 reciprocates. This piston it has a wrist pin M which is engaged by the upper end of a connecting rod it. The lower end ofthe connecting rod I5 is driven by a crank it. The above parts or parts similar in construction are found in nearly all internal combustion engines as now constructed. These engines operate by drawing a charge of mixed fuel and air into the bore l2 through a fuel. inlet ill on the downstroke of the engine so that at the end of the ignition stroke with the parts in the position shown in Fig. l the cylindrical bore 92.

is filled with a combustible gaseous mixture of fuel and air. As the piston is raised from the plug which is not used in the practice of my invention and is therefore not shown in the drawings.

In the practice of my invention the charge is ignited by a spark gap assembly 20, providing spark gaps between which discharges take place, the spark gap assembly 20 being carried on the top of and moving with the piston l3.

'The spark gap assembly 20 may take various forms, but in the form shown it consists of three electrodes mounted on top of the piston, preferably aligned in a row disposed diametrically across the piston and comprising a central electrode 2'2 and two outer electrodes 2! and 22a. The electrode 2i is a block of metal threadedly secured in the piston head wall 10. The electrode 22a is of substantially the same construction as that of the electrode 22, which is described as follows.

As shown in Fig. 5, a threaded rod M is formed with an electric spark discharge head d2. It is disposed in an aperture 50 in the piston head wall ill and is insulated therefrom by an insulating assembly comprising a metal Washer 33 and a mica washer M arranged between the head t? I and the piston head wall M, a mica bushing 35 are successively threaded upon the rod 4|, the first being drawn tightly against the metal washer Q1, and the remaining fins being in turn drawn tightly one against the other. Preferably, the bore of the lowermost fin extends only part way therethrough, forming a socket for the reception of the lower end of the rod 4 I.

These fins act to transfer to and dissipate in u the oil bath of the crankcase of the engine the position shown in Fig. 1 to the position shown in heat generated at the spark gaps 23 and 23a. A similar construction may also be used for cooling the electrode 2!. The fin construction serves to prevent preignition by keeping the temperature of the electrodes below that at which preignition occurs.

The charge is ignited by a high frequency discharge over the spark gaps 23 and 23a. For the purpose of producing this discharge, I utilize a high frequency transformer 24 which consists of a primary 25 and a secondary 26. The primary i3 UUUb -DUS UL 21 LCW uuiua UL LCJGIIAVUAJ n50 diameter wire, and the secondary 26 consists of many turns of line wire. Both the primary and the secondary are. carried on insulating spools 21 and 2 8 respectively, the spool 21 which carries the primary being attached to the cylinder block II inside the crankcase in a position substantially as shown, that is, surrounding the connecting rod i and outside the bore l2. The spool 28 carrying the secondary 26 is fixed to and carried by the.connecting rod I5 and is in the position shown in Fig. 1 when the connecting rod is down, and moves up inside the primary when the connecting rod is in its upper position.

One terminal conductor 29 of the secondary 26 is secured in good electrical connection to the connecting rod i5 and the other terminal conductor 36 of the secondary is secured to but insulated from the connecting rod and is electrically connected as shown to the electrode 22a. The electrode 2i of the spark gap assembly is secured in electrical connection with the piston. Any

potential induced in the secondary 26 causes a current to flow from the connecting rod l5 through the secondary 26, through the terminal wire 30, to the electrode 22a of the spark gap assembly 20, across the spark gap 23a to the central electrode 22, across the spark gap 23 to the electrode 2| and from the electrode 2| to the piston i3 and through the 5 wrist pin i4 and connecting rod l5 back to its source. In other words, if a potential is impressed on the secondary 26, a spark gap is forced to pass across the spark gaps 23 and 23a if the potential is sufficiently high to cause the dielectric in the spark gaps to break down and allow the spark to pass.

For thepurposeof inducing an electrical potential in the secondary 26, a high frequencypotential is impressed on the primary 25. The pri mary 25 has two terminals 3| and 32, as indicated in the diagram Fig. 6. The terminal 3i is connectedto one terminal of a spark gap 33 which may be adjusted as to distance so that the voltage required to break it down may be regulated. The

other terminal 32 is connected to one terminal of a charging secondary 34. The other terminal 36 of the secondary 34 is connected to the other side of the spark gap 33. Due to this arrangement if a potential is impressed on the secondary 36 a spark will jump across the gap 33 if the potential is sufliciently high.

Connected between the wires 32 and 35 is a condenser 36, the purpose of this condenser being to receive and store a charge of electricity and then discharge this charge across the gap 33 in a rapidly repeated cycle. The arrangement of condenser and spark gap is well understood in the art and the effect of it is to set up a rapidly oscillating or alternating current of high frequency through the primary 25 if the secondary 36 is properly energized. The secondary 36 is energized by a primary 31 which is fed with an oscillating oralternating current from a suitable generator 38. In some cases it may be desirable to place a distributor 33 in the circuit from the primary 31 for the purpose of causing impulses to occur at definite positions of the piston, the distributor 39 being geared to the engine to cause these impulses to occur at the proper intervals. This distributor may ordinarily be omitted, the

device itself acting as a distributor due to the reciprocation of the connecting rod I5.

follows. 7

is moving up-and down and the secondary 26 is being drawn into the position shown in Fig. 2 and from there carried down into the position shown in Fig. 1, and then returned to its original position as the crankshaft l6 of the engine is rotated. With the coil 26 in the position shown in Fig. 1, the primary 25 has very little effect on the secondary 26 due'to the fact that they are not close to each other. As the secondary 26 is thrown up inside the primary 25 the primary induces a potential in the secondary 26 due to the fact that the secpndary is in an electro-magnetically linked position with the primary.

There is impressed on the primary 25 a high frequency oscillating or alternating potential which in turn induces a high frequency potential in the secondary 26. Due to the fact that the primary 25 has relatively few turns, it is supplied with a current of considerable amperage and a low voltage, and when a high frequency current flows in the primary 25 a high potential is in duced in the secondary 26 due to the fact that the primary has only a few turns and the secondary 26 has very many turns. The voltage which is therefore impressed on the spark gaps 23 and 23a is a high frequency, high voltage potential which causes high voltage and high frequency discharges to take place across the spark gaps 23 and 23a. These high frequency, high potential discharges are very efficient in initiating combustion of an explosive mixture carried in the bore I2 above the piston I3.

It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that considerable variation may be made in the construction of the internal combustion engine shown in my drawings. In as far as this engine construction is concerned, the drawings may be considered to be largely diagrammatic and merely for the guidance of one skilled in the art of engine construction. In a somewhat similar manner the apparatus and procedure necessary to produce high voltage, high frequency discharges are also well understood in the art.

My invention consists broadly of producing a high voltage, high frequency discharge in the combustion space of anengine by spark gaps carried on the piston of the engine, the discharge being timed either by a distributor, such as the distributor 33, or by the position of the secondary 26 in the primary 25.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston closing, at its pressure end, a combustion space which may contain a combustible gas mixture; members carried by said piston in said space, said members being separated from each other to form a spark gap; and means for impressing on said spark gap, at the instant it is desired to explode said mixture, 9. high frequency alternating electromotive force.

2. In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston closing, at its pressure end, a combustion space which may contain a combustible gas mixture; members carried by said piston'in said space, said members being separated from each other to form a spark gap; a connection rod pivoted at one end on a wrist pin carried in said piston; a crank onwhich the other end of said connection rod is pivoted; a secondary winding or coil of wire carried by said connection rod and having its terminals so connected as to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; a primary winding or coil which is secured in fixed relationship to the space in which said piston reciprocates and which is so placed as to enable said coil to induce an electromotive force in said secondary as said piston approaches one end of its travel; and means for causing an electric current to flow in said primary winding.

3. In an ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the combination of a piston closing, at its pressure end, a combustion space which may contain a combustible gas mixture; members carried by said piston in said space, said members being separated from each other to form a spark gap; a connection rod pivoted at one end on a wrist pin carried in said piston; a crank on which the other end of said connection rod is pivoted; a secondary winding or coil or wire carried by said connection rod and having'its terminals so connected as to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; 8. primary winding or coil which is secured in fixed relationship to the space in which said piston reciprocates and which is so placed as to enable said coil to induce an electromotive force in said secondary as said piston approaches one end of its travel; and means for causing a high frequency electric current to flow in said primary winding.

4. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of: two members so placed in the combustion space of said engine as to be separated by a spark gap; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; a primary winding or coil so placed as to induce an electromotive force in said secondary winding, said 'coils being mutually movable with relation to each other and so moved in synchronism with the piston of the engine to vary the degree of induction between said coils; and means for passing an electric current through said primary winding.

5. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of: two members so placed in the combustion space or said engine as to be separated by a spark gap; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; a primary winding or coil so placed as to induce an electromotive force in said secondary winding, said coils being mutually movable with relation to each other and so moved in synchronism with the piston of the engine to vary the degree of induction between said coils; and means for passing a high frequency alternating electric current through said primary winding.

6. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of: two members so placed in the combustion space of said engine as to be separated by a spark gap; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; a primary winding or coil so placed as to induce an electromotive force in said secondary. winding, said coils being mutually movable with relation to each other and so moved in synchronism with the piston or the engine to vary the degree of induction between said coils; and means for passing an electric current through said primary winding at the instant it is desired to ignite the charge of said engine.

7. In an internal combustion engine, the combination of: two members so placed in the .combustion space of said engine as to be separated by a spark gap; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap; a primary winding or coil so placed as to induce an electromotive force in said secondary winding, said coils being mutually movable with relation to each other and so moved in synchronism with the piston of the engine to vary the degree of induction between said coils; and means for passing a high frequency alternating electric current through said primary winding at the instant it is desired to ignite the charge of said engine.

8. An ignition system for an internal co'mbustion engine having a piston reciprocating in a combustion space and means for periodically delivering a combustible gas mixture to said space, comprising: two members placed in said combustion space in such relationship as to form a spark gap therebetween; asecondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap and so mounted as to reciprocate in synchronism with said piston; a primary winding or coil secured in a position which is fixed in relation to said combustion space and in which said secondary coil is brought into inducing relationship with said primary coil as said secondary coil approaches one end of its reciprocation; and means for passing an electric current through said primary coil. I 9. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a piston reciprocating in a combustion space and means for periodically delivering a combustible gas mixture to said space, comprising: two members placed in said combustion space in such a relationship as to form a spark gap therebetween; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap and so mounted as to reciprocate in synchronism with said piston; a primary winding or coil secured in a position which is fixed to said combustion space and in which said secondary coil is brought into inducing rela tionship with said primary coil as said secondary coil approaches one end of its reciprocation; and means for passing a high frequency alternating .electric current through said primary coil.

10. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a piston reciprocating in a combustion space and means for periodically deliverin'g a combustible gas mixture to said space, comprising: two members placed in said combustion space in such relationship as to form a spark gap therebetween; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap and so mounted as to reciprocate in synchronism with said piston; a primary winding or coil secured in a position which is fixed in relation to said combustion space and in which said secondary coil is brought into inducing relationship with said primary coil as said secondary coil approaches one end of its reciprocation; and means for passing an electric current through said primary coil at the instant it is desired to ignite said mixture.

11. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a piston reciprocating in a combustion space and means for periodically delivering a combustible gas mixture to said space, comprising: two members placed in said combustion space in such relationship as to form a spark gap therebetween; a secondary winding or coil connected to impress an electromotive force across said spark gap and so mounted as to reciprocate in synchronism with said piston; a primary winding or coil secured in a position which is fixed in relation to said combustionspace and in which said secondary coil is brought into inducing relationship with said primary coil as said secondary coil approaches one end of its windings,

reciprocation; and means for passing a high frequency alternating electric current through said primary coil at the instant it is desired to; ignite said mixture.

12. In an internal combustion engine having a combustion space into which a combustible gas mixture is periodically delivered: members placed in said combustion space and forming a spark gap upon which an electromotive force may be impressed; a primary winding or coil having relatively few, turns; means for passing a high frequency electric discharge through said primary winding; a secondary winding or coil reciprocating with relation to said primary winding to vary theinductive relationship between said ,aid secondary coil consisting of a multiplicity of coils for each coil of said primary winding; and means for impressing across said spark gap any electromotive force induced in said secondary coil.

13. In an internal combustion engine having a combustion space into which a combustible gas mixture is periodically delivered: members placed in said combustion space and forming a spark gap upon which an electromotive force may be impressed; a primary winding or coil having relatively few turns; means for passing a high said secondary coil at the instant it is desired to ignite said combustible mixture.

14. In an internal combustion engine having a combustion space into which a combustible gas mixture is periodically delivered; members placed in said combustion space and forming a spark-gap upon which an electromotive force may be impressed; a primary winding or coil having relatively few turns; means for passing a high frequency electric discharge through said primary winding; a secondary winding or coil reciprocating with relation to said primary winding to vary the inductive relationship between said windings, said secondary coil consisting of a multiplicity of coils for each coil of said primary winding; means for so reciprocating said secondary winding in synchronism with the piston of said engine; and means for impressing across said spark gap any electromotive force induced in said secondary coil.

15. In an internal combustion engine having a combustion space into which a combustible gas mixture is periodically delivered: members placed in said combustion space and forming a spark gap upon which an electromotive force may be impressed; a primary winding or coil having relatively few turns; means for passing a high frequency electric discharge through said primary winding; a secondary winding or coil reciprocating with relation to said primary winding to vary the inductive relationship between said windings, said secondary coil consisting of a multiplicity of coils for each coil of said primary winding; means for so reciprocating said secondary winding in synchronism with the piston of said engine; and means for'impressing across said spark gap any electromotive' force induced in said secondary coil at the instant it is desired to ignite said combustible mixture.

16. man internal combustion engine having a reciprocating piston and a crankcase oil chamber, the combination of: an electrode mounted on said piston with its discharge head disposed in the combustion chamber of said engine; an extended surface means for transferring heat mounted on said piston and disposed in the crankcase oil chamber of said engine; and heat, conducting means connecting said discharge head and said extended surface means.

17. In an internal combustion engine having a reciprocating piston and a crankcase oil chamber, the combination of: an electrode mounted on said piston with its discharge head disposed in the combustion chamber of said engine; heat transferring, laterally extending fins mounted on said electrode and disposed in the crankcase oil chamber of said engine; and insulating material disposed between said electrode and said piston.

18. In an internal combustion engine having a reciprocating piston and a crankcase oil chambet, the combination of: an electrode stem mounted on said piston with its shank projecting in one direction into the combustion chamber of said engine and in the other direction toward the crankcase chamber of said engine; a discharge head mounted on said one projecting end;

diskshaped fins disposed on and transversely of said other end of said shank; and insulating means between said rod and said piston.

ANTHONY J. DI LUCCI.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION. Patent No. 2,260, 610. October 28, 19LL1.

ANTHONY; J. 15: won.

It is hereby certified that errdr appears in tlie printed's pe'cification of the abo'w're numbered patent requiring qo'rredtipn as-foiiows: Page 2 first :column, line 514., for "a. spark gap read --a spgrk' is---; page 3, second column; line 5? after fixed insert -'-1n'1:1at1'cp--; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with. thi correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the ca's e in the Pgtent office.

Signed'and sealed thi; 30thday or Decmber, A. D. 19m.

Henry Van Arsdale, (S Acting Cqmmis sioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION; Patent No. 2,260,610. 7 -Oc tob er 28', 191 1.

ANTHONY; .I'. 151 wool;

It is hereby certified that em-dr' appears 1*; the printed's pecification of-the aboire numbered pay-tent requiring correction as-foiiows: Page 2, first -.column, line 51;, for *a, Spark gap 1e read -a spark 1 s'- page 5 secondcolumng line 5? afterfixed insert -in'1 elation--; 'and that the said Letters Patent should be read with. this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Petent office.

Sighed' and sealed 111; 30th-day or December, A.' D. '19h1.

Henry Van Arsdale, (Seal) Acting Cominzts sioner of Patents. 

